Method and system for conveyance of machine readable code data via payment network

ABSTRACT

A method for processing an encoded one-time number via payment rails includes: receiving, by a receiving device interfaced with a computing system, a one-time number, wherein the one-time number is comprised of at least an identification value and a remaining value; executing, by a querying module of the computing system, a query on a memory of the computing system to identify a routing number based on at least a portion of the one-time number; generating, by a generation module of the computing system, a data value, wherein the data value includes at least the identified routing number and the remaining value; and electronically transmitting, by a transmitting device of the computing system, the generated data value to an external system via payment rails associated with a payment network.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/793,237, titled, “Method and System for conveyance of Machinereadable code data via payment network”, filed Oct. 25, 2017, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,692,077.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the processing of a one-time numberencoded in a machine readable code via payment rails, specifically thereading of a one-time number encoded in a machine readable code and theconversion thereof into a data value suitable for conveyance via paymentrails associated with a network for processing on behalf of a thirdparty entity that supplies the one time number.

BACKGROUND

With the increasing prevalence of computing devices, many methods havebeen developed to enable a computing device to be used to fund anelectronic payment transaction. Originally, a user could manually inputpayment details into their computing device, which would be transmittedfor processing in the payment transaction, such as via a web page orother similar application program. As technology became more advanced,electronic wallets were developed, which were specialized applicationprograms that utilized more secure methods of storage to store paymentcredentials, which could be electronically transmitted to a merchantpoint of sale through a network (e.g., the Internet) or even directly,such as via near field communication for an in-purchase transaction.Traditionally, electronic wallets have operated by storing all of thesame data that would be stored in a payment card and conveying it to apoint of sale, where the point of sale receives the same data that itwould if reading the payment card directly, effectively trading apayment card for a mobile device that acts as a payment card.

In more recent times, some entities have developed their own kinds ofelectronic wallets that use alternative methods to pay for paymenttransactions. In such wallets, the wallet may generate unique data thatis provided to the merchant, where the merchant routes that data back tothe wallet provider or an associated financial institution that canidentify a related account to be used to fund the transaction. Suchmethods provide for greater security than standard electronic wallets,as the unique data may be usable for only a single transaction, and mayonly be processed through merchants that are configured to receive anduse such data. One common type of unique data is a one-time number.

However, the processing of one-time numbers and other unique datarequires that the merchant be specially configured to receive andprocess such data, and that the merchant have a connection to the walletprovider or an associated financial institution. As a result, any newmerchant that wants to accept that electronic wallet for payment mustprocure hardware and software and communication infrastructure specificto that electronic wallet. For many merchants, particularly smallbusinesses, the resource expenditure may greatly outweigh the benefitsprovided in accepting such payment. In addition, expansion of theelectronic wallet to additional markets may be a difficult, expensive,and time-consuming project.

Thus, there is a need for a technical solution where one-time numbersand other types of unique data generated by an electronic wallet can beprocessed using payment rails associated with a payment network to takeadvantage of existing electronic payment transaction processing andinfrastructure.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a description of systems and methods forprocessing encoded one-time numbers via payment rails. Amachine-readable code that is encoded with a one-time number is read bya point of sale device. The point of sale device extracts the one-timenumber, or receives it via another suitable means, and identifiescomponents of the one-time number, which includes at least anidentification value. The identification value is used to identify arouting number associated with the wallet provider or a financialinstitution that is to process transactions funded via that one-timenumber. The routing number and any other data remaining in the one-timenumber are included in a new data value that is generated by the pointof sale device, which also includes any other data necessary in theprocessing of a standard electronic payment transaction, such as aservice code, expiration date, and check digit. This new data value isincluded in a standardized transaction message that is transmitted viapayment rails associated with a payment network. The result is that thetransaction looks like, and is therefore processed as, a traditionalpayment transaction on existing, secure communication infrastructure,but where it is routed to the appropriate entity for processing. Thus,the one-time number can be used for a payment transaction with minimalmodification to merchant, acquirer, and issuer systems, providing forfaster, easier, and less expensive implementation and thus facilitatingwider adoption.

A method for processing an encoded one-time number via payment railsincludes: receiving, by a receiving device of a computing system, aone-time number, wherein the one-time number is comprised of at least anidentification value and a remaining value; executing, by a queryingmodule of the computing system, a query on a memory of the computingsystem to identify a routing number based on at least a portion of theone-time number; generating, by a generation module of the computingsystem, a data value, wherein the data value includes at least theidentified routing number and the remaining value; and electronicallytransmitting, by a transmitting device of the computing system, thegenerated data value to an external system via payment rails associatedwith a payment network.

A system for processing an encoded one-time number via payment railsincludes: a receiving device of a computing system configured to receivea one-time number, wherein the one-time number is comprised of at leastan identification value and a remaining value; a querying module of thecomputing system configured to execute a query on a memory of thecomputing system to identify a routing number based on at least aportion of the one-time number; a generation module of the computingsystem configured to generate a data value, wherein the data valueincludes at least the identified routing number and the remaining value;and a transmitting device of the computing system configured toelectronically transmit the generated data value to an external systemvia payment rails associated with a payment network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The scope of the present disclosure is best understood from thefollowing detailed description of exemplary embodiments when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. Included in the drawings arethe following figures:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a high level system architecturefor processing a one-time number as a traditional electronic paymenttransaction in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the computing system of thesystem of FIG. 1 for the reading and processing of a one-time number inaccordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for the processing of anelectronic payment transaction via payment rails using a one-time numberin the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for processingan encoded one-time number via payment rails in accordance withexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system architecture inaccordance with exemplary embodiments.

Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description of exemplary embodiments areintended for illustration purposes only and are, therefore, not intendedto necessarily limit the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Glossary of Terms

Payment Network—A system or network used for the transfer of money viathe use of cash-substitutes for thousands, millions, and even billionsof transactions during a given period. Payment networks may use avariety of different protocols and procedures in order to process thetransfer of money for various types of transactions. Transactions thatmay be performed via a payment network may include product or servicepurchases, credit purchases, debit transactions, fund transfers, accountwithdrawals, etc. Payment networks may be configured to performtransactions via cash-substitutes, which may include payment cards,letters of credit, checks, transaction accounts, etc. Examples ofnetworks or systems configured to perform as payment networks includethose operated by MasterCard®, VISA®, Discover®, American Express®,PayPal®, etc. Use of the term “payment network” herein may refer to boththe payment network as an entity, and the physical payment network, suchas the equipment, hardware, and software comprising the payment network.

Transaction Account—A financial account that may be used to fund atransaction, such as a checking account, savings account, creditaccount, virtual payment account, etc. A transaction account may beassociated with a consumer, which may be any suitable type of entityassociated with a payment account, which may include a person, family,company, corporation, governmental entity, etc. In some instances, atransaction account may be virtual, such as those accounts operated byPayPal®, etc.

Payment Rails—Infrastructure associated with a payment network used inthe processing of payment transactions and the communication oftransaction messages and other similar data between the payment networkand other entities interconnected with the payment network that handlesthousands, millions, and even billions of transactions during a givenperiod. The payment rails may be comprised of the hardware used toestablish the payment network and the interconnections between thepayment network and other associated entities, such as financialinstitutions, gateway processors, etc. In some instances, payment railsmay also be affected by software, such as via special programming of thecommunication hardware and devices that comprise the payment rails. Forexample, the payment rails may include specifically configured computingdevices that are specially configured for the routing of transactionmessages, which may be specially formatted data messages that areelectronically transmitted via the payment rails, as discussed in moredetail below.

Merchant—An entity that provides products (e.g., goods and/or services)for purchase by another entity, such as a consumer or another merchant.A merchant may be a consumer, a retailer, a wholesaler, a manufacturer,or any other type of entity that may provide products for purchase aswill be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art. In someinstances, a merchant may have special knowledge in the goods and/orservices provided for purchase. In other instances, a merchant may nothave or require any special knowledge in offered products. In someembodiments, an entity involved in a single transaction may beconsidered a merchant. In some instances, as used herein, the term“merchant” may refer to an apparatus or device of a merchant entity.

Issuer—An entity that establishes (e.g., opens) a letter or line ofcredit in favor of a beneficiary, and honors drafts drawn by thebeneficiary against the amount specified in the letter or line ofcredit. In many instances, the issuer may be a bank or other financialinstitution authorized to open lines of credit. In some instances, anyentity that may extend a line of credit to a beneficiary may beconsidered an issuer. The line of credit opened by the issuer may berepresented in the form of a payment account, and may be drawn on by thebeneficiary via the use of a payment card. An issuer may also offeradditional types of payment accounts to consumers as will be apparent topersons having skill in the relevant art, such as debit accounts,prepaid accounts, electronic wallet accounts, savings accounts, checkingaccounts, etc., and may provide consumers with physical or non-physicalmeans for accessing and/or utilizing such an account, such as debitcards, prepaid cards, automated teller machine cards, electronicwallets, checks, etc. An issuer may also be connected to payment railsfor use in the transmission and receipt of transaction messages thereby,including receipt of authorization request and transmission ofauthorization responses.

Acquirer—An entity that may process payment card transactions on behalfof a merchant. The acquirer may be a bank or other financial institutionauthorized to process payment card transactions on a merchant's behalf.In many instances, the acquirer may open a line of credit with themerchant acting as a beneficiary. The acquirer may exchange funds withan issuer in instances where a consumer, which may be a beneficiary to aline of credit offered by the issuer, transacts via a payment card witha merchant that is represented by the acquirer.

Payment Transaction—A transaction between two entities in which money orother financial benefit is exchanged from one entity to the other. Thepayment transaction may be a transfer of funds, for the purchase ofgoods or services, for the repayment of debt, or for any other exchangeof financial benefit as will be apparent to persons having skill in therelevant art. In some instances, payment transaction may refer totransactions funded via a payment card and/or payment account, such ascredit card transactions. Such payment transactions may be processed viaan issuer, payment network, and acquirer. The process for processingsuch a payment transaction may include at least one of authorization,batching, clearing, settlement, and funding. Authorization may includethe furnishing of payment details by the consumer to a merchant, thesubmitting of transaction details (e.g., including the payment details)from the merchant to their acquirer, and the verification of paymentdetails with the issuer of the consumer's payment account used to fundthe transaction. Batching may refer to the storing of an authorizedtransaction in a batch with other authorized transactions fordistribution to an acquirer. Clearing may include the sending of batchedtransactions from the acquirer to a payment network for processing.Settlement may include the debiting of the issuer by the payment networkfor transactions involving beneficiaries of the issuer. In someinstances, the issuer may pay the acquirer via the payment network. Inother instances, the issuer may pay the acquirer directly. Funding mayinclude payment to the merchant from the acquirer for the paymenttransactions that have been cleared and settled. It will be apparent topersons having skill in the relevant art that the order and/orcategorization of the steps discussed above performed as part of paymenttransaction processing.

Point of Sale—A computing device or computing system configured toreceive interaction with a user (e.g., a consumer, employee, etc.) forentering in transaction data, payment data, and/or other suitable typesof data for the purchase of and/or payment for goods and/or services.The point of sale may be a physical device (e.g., a cash register,kiosk, desktop computer, smart phone, tablet computer, etc.) in aphysical location that a customer visits as part of the transaction,such as in a “brick and mortar” store, or may be virtual in e-commerceenvironments, such as online retailers receiving communications fromcustomers over a network such as the Internet. In instances where thepoint of sale may be virtual, the computing device operated by the userto initiate the transaction or the computing system that receives dataas a result of the transaction may be considered the point of sale, asapplicable.

System for Processing of One-Time Numbers Via Payment Rails

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for processing of electronic paymenttransactions via encoded one-time numbers utilizing payment railsassociated with a payment network.

The system 100 may include a computing system 102. The computing system102, discussed in more detail below, may be configured to read andprocess one-time numbers that are encoded in a machine-readable codedisplayed to the computing system 102 and read thereby. The computingsystem 102 may be a specially configured point of sale system that isconfigured to perform the traditional functions of a point of sale in anelectronic payment transaction as well as also specially configured toperform the additional functions discussed herein to facilitate theprocessing of electronic payment transactions utilizing one-time numbersand other similar unique data. In the system 100, the computing system102 may read a machine-readable code that is displayed by a computingdevice 104. The computing device 104 may be any type of computing devicesuitable for displaying a machine-readable code that is encoded with aone-time number or other unique data, such as a cellular phone, smartphone, smart watch, wearable computing device, implantable computingdevice, laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook computer, etc.

The computing device 104 may be configured to execute an applicationprogram associated with an electronic wallet. The electronic wallet maybe configured to generate a machine-readable code that is encoded with aone-time number. As used herein, “one-time number” may refer to a numberor any other type of data that may be used for a single transaction thatincludes data suitable for use in performing the functions discussedherein. For instance, an alphanumeric value or other type of data may beused as an alternative to the one-time number. The machine-readable codemay be any type of code suitable for encoding the one-time number, suchas a bar code or a quick response (QR) code, a string display of numbersor alphanumeric values, etc. The one-time number may include at least anidentification value, where any other data included in the one-timenumber may be referred to herein as “remaining value.” In oneembodiment, the one-time number may be an 18 digit number, where thefirst two digits may be the identification value, and where the other 16digits may be the remaining value.

In the system 100, the one-time number may be supplied to the computingdevice 104 by a wallet provider 106 associated with the electronicwallet or may be generated using rules supplied by the wallet provider106, such as through the electronic wallet application program. Ininstances where the one-time number may be generated by the computingdevice 104, the computing device 104 may electronically transmit theone-time number to the wallet provider 106 for storage thereby. In somecases, the wallet provider 106 may supply the computing device 104 withsome or all of the remaining value, where the computing device 104 mayutilize a stored identification value and any other data needed tocomprise the remaining value, in addition to the received some or all ofthe remaining value, to create the one-time number.

Once the one-time number is generated or otherwise identified, thecomputing device 104 may generate the machine-readable code and displayit on a display device, where the computing system 102 may use anoptical imaging device to read the machine-readable code and decode thedata encoded therein. As a result, the computing system 102 may obtainthe one-time number. The computing system 102 may then generate a newdata value. The one-time number may, alternatively, be conveyed to thecomputing system 102 via any other suitable means by the computingdevice 104. For instance, the computing device 104 may electronicallytransmit the one-time number to the computing system 102 via near fieldcommunication, Bluetooth, magnetic secure transmission, radio frequency,a cellular communication network, the Internet, etc.

The new data value may include at least the remaining value from theone-time number as well as a routing number, where the routing number isbased on the identification value parsed from the one-time number. Insome embodiments, the computing system 102 may store or otherwise haveaccess to a lookup table where the routing number may be identifiedusing the identification value. In the above example, the computingsystem 102 may identify the two-digit identification number and identifya routing number associated with the two-digit number. The routingnumber may be a number that is suitable for use by a payment network 108in routing data received as part of an electronic payment transaction.The routing number may be, for instance, a bank identification number orissuer identification number. In some embodiments, the wallet provider106 may provide the computing system 102 with routing numbers to beassociated with identification values that may be included in one-timenumbers.

In an exemplary embodiment, the data value generated by the computingsystem 102 may be in a format that is suitable for inclusion in atransaction message configured for transmission via payment railsassociated with a payment network 108 and processing thereby. Forinstance, in one embodiment, the data value may be a track 2 data valueand formatted accordingly, such as where the data value is a 32 digitnumber and where the routing number, remaining value, and other data arestored in specific digits as based on formatting used by the paymentnetwork 108. For instance, the track 2 data may be formatted pursuant toone or more standards governing the exchange of financial transactionmessages, such as the International Organization of Standardization'sISO 8583 or ISO 20022 formats.

In some embodiments, the computing device 104 may be configured togenerate the data value directly in the computing device 104 or receiveit from the wallet provider 106. In such embodiments, the computingdevice 104 may be configured to generate the data value, which may be atrack 2 data value, including the data suitable for use in theprocessing of the payment transaction, as discussed below. The computingdevice 104 may generate the data value for electronic transmission tothe computing system 102, such as via the machine-readable code, nearfield communication, Bluetooth, magnetic secure transmission, radiofrequency, etc. The computing system 102 may receive the data valueaccordingly, and proceed with the process discussed herein immediately.In some cases, the computing system 102 may first verify the data value,such as to ensure proper formatting based on the applicable standards.

The data value may be transmitted to the payment network 108 via paymentrails associated therewith. In an exemplary embodiment, the data valuemay be included in a transaction message, where the transaction messageis formatted pursuant to one or more applicable standards. In someembodiments, the computing device 102 may generate the transactionmessage, which may be electronically transmitted to the payment network108 via payment rails associated therewith directly by the computingsystem 102 or via one or more intermediate entities, such as anacquiring financial institution and/or a gateway processor. In otherembodiments, the computing device 102 may electronically transmit thedata value and any other data necessary for use in processing anelectronic payment transaction (e.g., a transaction amount, accountnumber for receipt of funds, acquiring financial institution data, etc.)to an intermediate entity, such as an acquiring financial institution orgateway processor, which may generate the transaction message andinclude the data value therein. The transaction message may include atleast a message type indicator and a plurality of data elements, whereone of the data elements may be configured to store the generated datavalue, and where, in some cases, the data element may be specified bythe applicable standard(s). Additional data elements may be used tostore additional transaction data for the payment transaction, such asthe transaction amount, merchant identification number, other merchantdata, account number, acquiring institution data, geographic location,transaction time and/or date, currency type, transaction type, etc. Themessage type indicator may indicate a type of the transaction messagefor use by the payment network 108 in the processing thereof. Forinstance, the transaction message submitted by or on behalf of thecomputing system 102 may include a message type indicator indicatingthat the transaction message is an authorization request.

The payment network 108 may receive the transaction message and mayprocess it using traditional methods and systems. Because the track 2data is formatted pursuant to the applicable standards, the transactionmessage may be routed using standard processing techniques of thepayment network 108 using the included routing number. In someembodiments, the payment network 108 may include a processing system 110or may forward the transaction message to the processing system 110 forrouting thereby.

In some cases, the transaction message may be routed to the walletprovider 106. The wallet provider 106 may then process the paymenttransaction, such as by ensuring that the transaction account associatedwith the one-time number (e.g., identified via the remaining valueincluded in the data value stored in the transaction message) hassufficient balance or credit to cover the transaction amount. In othercases, the transaction message may be routed to a financial institutionsystem 112, which may be part of or operated on behalf of a financialinstitution that may be associated with the transaction account to beused to fund the payment transaction (e.g., identified via the one-timenumber). For instance, the financial institution system 112 may be afinancial institution that operates on behalf of the wallet provider 106to manage transaction accounts issued to or otherwise used via thewallet provider 106.

The processing of the payment transaction may result in a decision bythe wallet provider 106, or financial institution system 112, asapplicable, to approve or deny the payment transaction. An authorizationresponse, which may be a new transaction message or modifiedauthorization request, may be returned to the payment network 108 viathe payment rails associated therewith, where one of the data elementsincluded therein is configured to store a response code indicatingapproval or denial of the payment transaction. The payment network 108may forward the authorization response to the computing system 102,either directly thereto via the payment rails associated with thepayment network 108 or to an intermediate entity, such as an acquiringfinancial institution, which may forward the authorization response tothe computing system 102 or otherwise provide data to the computingsystem 102 indicating the result of the processing of the paymenttransaction. The computing system 102 may then finalize the paymenttransaction accordingly, such as by displaying a message indicating ifthe transaction was approved or denied. In some cases, the walletprovider 106 and/or financial institution system 112 may replace theone-time number with, or otherwise include in the authorizationresponse, the transaction account number or other identification dataassociated with the related transaction account. In such cases, thepayment network 108, financial institution system 112, or computingsystem 102 may be configured to perform additional services on behalf ofthe wallet provider 106 with respect to the transaction account, such asfraud monitoring or scoring.

In some embodiments, the wallet provider 106 or financial institutionsystem 112 may be able to request that the user of the computing device104 provide additional information in addition to the one-time number,such as for authentication or identification purposes. In suchembodiments, the wallet provider 106 or financial institution system 112may decline the payment transaction and submit the authorizationresponse to the payment network 108 where the response code indicatesthat additional verification is necessary. In some cases, the responsecode may be one of a series of response codes, where the code mayindicate the type of additional verification that is required. In someinstances, the response code may be a repurposed response code accordingto the applicable standard(s). The computing system 102 may receive theresponse code and may display a message requesting that thecorresponding additional verification be performed. For instance, apersonal identification number (PIN) may be requested from the user ofthe computing device 104, where the user may input the PIN and thetransaction processed again, with the PIN being included in acorresponding data element in a new transaction message submitted to thepayment network 108 via the payment rails associated therewith.

In some embodiments, the computing system 102 may be configured toprovide additional data to the wallet provider 106 or financialinstitution system 112 via the data value. For instance, the computingsystem 102 may include additional information associated with thepayment transaction, which may be used by the wallet provider 106 orfinancial institution system 112, such as in making the determination asto whether or not to request additional verification. For example, thecomputing system 102 may provide geographic location information in thedata value or in the data element configured to store the data value,which may be used by the wallet provider 106 in determining ifadditional verification should be requested (e.g., based on a geographiclocation of the computing device 104 identified thereby). In some cases,such supplied information may be specific to the wallet provider 106and/or financial institution system 112 that is to receive theinformation.

The methods and systems discussed herein provide for the processing ofelectronic payment transactions via the use of one-time numbers that areprocessed by the computing system 102 to be routed via payment railsassociated with payment networks 108 that are formatted pursuant toapplicable standards, enabling traditional routing and processing to beperformed for one-time numbers that are generated by or on behalf of anelectronic wallet provider 106. The result is that a wallet provider 106may use their own type of one-time number, which may be conveyed via amachine-readable code to the computing system 102, but still takeadvantage of the specialized and secured infrastructure of paymentnetworks 108. The use of the existing processing infrastructure mayenable one-time numbers to be used at a wide variety of merchants usingtraditional hardware, provided the system is specifically configured togenerate the data value used in the payment transactions as discussedherein. Thus, one-time numbers may be used for electronic paymenttransactions with minimal modification to existing payment systems.

Computing System

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a computing system 102 in the system100. It will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant artthat the embodiment of the computing system 102 illustrated in FIG. 2 isprovided as illustration only and may not be exhaustive to all possibleconfigurations of the computing system 102 suitable for performing thefunctions as discussed herein. For example, the computer system 500illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed in more detail below may be asuitable configuration of the computing system 102.

The computing system 102 may include a receiving device 202. Thereceiving device 202 may be configured to receive data over one or morenetworks via one or more network protocols. In some instances, thereceiving device 202 may be configured to receive data from computingdevices 104, wallet providers 106, payment networks 110, and othersystems and entities via one or more communication methods, such asradio frequency, local area networks, wireless area networks, cellularcommunication networks, Bluetooth, the Internet, etc. In someembodiments, the receiving device 202 may be comprised of multipledevices, such as different receiving devices for receiving data overdifferent networks, such as a first receiving device for receiving dataover a local area network and a second receiving device for receivingdata via the Internet. The receiving device 202 may receiveelectronically transmitted data signals, where data may be superimposedor otherwise encoded on the data signal and decoded, parsed, read, orotherwise obtained via receipt of the data signal by the receivingdevice 202. In some instances, the receiving device 202 may include aparsing module for parsing the received data signal to obtain the datasuperimposed thereon. For example, the receiving device 202 may includea parser program configured to receive and transform the received datasignal into usable input for the functions performed by the processingdevice to carry out the methods and systems described herein.

The receiving device 202 may be configured to receive data signalselectronically transmitted by wallet providers 106 that are superimposedor otherwise encoded with routing numbers or data to be used inidentifying routing numbers (e.g., financial institution identificationdata) and associations therewith with identification values to beincluded in one-time numbers. The receiving device 202 may also beconfigured to receive data signals electronically transmitted by paymentnetworks 108, which may be transmitted via payment rails associatedtherewith and be superimposed or otherwise encoded with transactionmessages.

The computing system 102 may also include a communication module 204.The communication module 204 may be configured to transmit data betweenmodules, engines, databases, memories, and other components of thecomputing system 102 for use in performing the functions discussedherein. The communication module 204 may be comprised of one or morecommunication types and utilize various communication methods forcommunications within a computing device. For example, the communicationmodule 204 may be comprised of a bus, contact pin connectors, wires,etc. In some embodiments, the communication module 204 may also beconfigured to communicate between internal components of the computingsystem 102 and external components of the computing system 102, such asexternally connected databases, display devices, input devices, etc. Thecomputing system 102 may also include a processing device. Theprocessing device may be configured to perform the functions of thecomputing system 102 discussed herein as will be apparent to personshaving skill in the relevant art. In some embodiments, the processingdevice may include and/or be comprised of a plurality of engines and/ormodules specially configured to perform one or more functions of theprocessing device, such as a querying module 218, generation module 220,transaction processing module 222, etc. As used herein, the term“module” may be software or hardware particularly programmed to receivean input, perform one or more processes using the input, and provides anoutput. The input, output, and processes performed by various moduleswill be apparent to one skilled in the art based upon the presentdisclosure.

In some embodiments, the computing system 102 may include an opticalimaging device 206. The optical imaging device 206 may be interfacedwith the computing system 102 and configured to optically image physicalmedia and provide data associated therewith to the computing system 102for use thereby. The optical imaging device 206 may be configured toread a machine-readable code, such as displayed by the computing device104, to read the data encoded therein. The optical imaging device 206may be configured to read and decode bar codes, QR codes, or othersuitable types of machine-readable codes. In the system 100, the opticalimaging device 206 may be configured to decode a one-time number from amachine-readable code displayed by the computing device 104, which mayinclude at least an identification value and a remaining value. Theoptical imaging device 206 may also be configured to read, for instance,bar codes displayed on products being scanned for purchase by a user ofthe computing device 104 in the electronic payment transaction.

The computing system 102 may also include or be otherwise interfacedwith one or more input devices 206. The input devices 206 may beinternal to the computing system 102 or external to the computing system102 and connected thereto via one or more connections (e.g., wired orwireless) for the transmission of data to and/or from. The input devices206 may be configured to receive input from a user of the computingsystem 102, such as an employee of a merchant at which the computingsystem 102 is installed, which may be provided to another module orengine of the computing system 102 (e.g., via the communication module204) for processing accordingly. Input devices 206 may include any typeof input device suitable for receiving input for the performing of thefunctions discussed herein, such as a keyboard, mouse, click wheel,scroll wheel, microphone, touch screen, track pad, camera, opticalimager, etc. The input device 206 may be configured to, for example,receive input by a user of the computing device 104 of additionalverification data (e.g., a PIN, biometric data, etc.), or input by auser of the computing system 102, such as inputting additionaltransaction data to be used in the electronic payment transaction.

The computing system 102 may also include a memory 208. The memory 208may be configured to store data for use by the computing system 102 inperforming the functions discussed herein, such as public and privatekeys, symmetric keys, etc. The memory 208 may be configured to storedata using suitable data formatting methods and schema and may be anysuitable type of memory, such as read-only memory, random access memory,etc. The memory 208 may include, for example, encryption keys andalgorithms, communication protocols and standards, data formattingstandards and protocols, program code for modules and applicationprograms of the processing device, and other data that may be suitablefor use by the computing system 102 in the performance of the functionsdisclosed herein as will be apparent to persons having skill in therelevant art. In some embodiments, the memory 208 may be comprised of ormay otherwise include a relational database that utilizes structuredquery language for the storage, identification, modifying, updating,accessing, etc. of structured data sets stored therein.

The memory 208 may be configured to store a lookup table or other formof data storage for use in storing associations between identificationvalues and routing numbers. The memory 208 may also be configured tostore formatting rules for use in generating data values based onone-time numbers, such as rules to define what digits are stored in whatorder and how data values are to be formatted. The memory 208 may alsobe configured to store additional transaction data for electronicpayment transactions, such as may be used in the electronic paymenttransaction funded via the one-time number, which may include, forinstance, a transaction amount, merchant data, product data, acquirerinstitution data, account data, geographic location data, reward data,loyalty data, offer data, etc.

The computing system 102 may include a querying module 218. The queryingmodule 218 may be configured to execute queries on databases to identifyinformation. The querying module 218 may receive one or more data valuesor query strings, and may execute a query string based thereon on anindicated database, such as the memory 208, to identify informationstored therein. The querying module 218 may then output the identifiedinformation to an appropriate engine or module of the computing system102 as necessary. The querying module 218 may, for example, execute aquery on the memory 208 to identify a routing number that is associatedwith an identification value that is parsed from a one-time number readby the optical imaging device 206.

The computing system 102 may also include a generation module 220. Thegeneration module 220 may be configured to generate data for use by thecomputing system 102 in performing the functions discussed herein. Thegeneration module 220 may receive instructions as input, may generatedata based on the instructions, and may output the generated data to oneor more modules of the computing system 102. For example, the generationmodule 220 may be configured to generate notifications and other datamessages for transmission to payment networks 108 or acquiring financialinstitutions or other intermediate entities. The generation module 220may also be configured to generate data values for inclusion intransaction messages based on one-time numbers, where the data valueincludes at least a routing number and the remaining value included in aone-time number. In one embodiment, the data value may be track 2 dataand may include at least the routing number, remaining value, a checkdigit, a service code, and an expiration date.

The computing system 102 may also include a transaction processingmodule 222. The transaction processing module 222 may be configured toperform functions associated with the processing of transactions as partof the computing system 102 as discussed herein. For example, thetransaction processing module 222 may be configured to generating andformat transaction messages, calculate transaction amounts, performfunctions associated with approved or denied payment transactions,receive and submit authentication and validation data, and otherassociated functions.

The computing system 102 may also include a transmitting device 224. Thetransmitting device 224 may be configured to transmit data over one ormore networks via one or more network protocols. In some instances, thetransmitting device 224 may be configured to transmit data to paymentnetworks 108, and other entities via one or more communication methods,local area networks, wireless area networks, cellular communication,Bluetooth, radio frequency, the Internet, etc. In some embodiments, thetransmitting device 224 may be comprised of multiple devices, such asdifferent transmitting devices for transmitting data over differentnetworks, such as a first transmitting device for transmitting data overa local area network and a second transmitting device for transmittingdata via the Internet. The transmitting device 224 may electronicallytransmit data signals that have data superimposed that may be parsed bya receiving computing device. In some instances, the transmitting device224 may include one or more modules for superimposing, encoding, orotherwise formatting data into data signals suitable for transmission.

The transmitting device 224 may be configured to electronically transmitdata signals to payment networks 108 via payment rails associatedtherewith that are superimposed or otherwise encoded with a transactionmessage that includes a data element configured to store a generateddata value that includes at least a remaining value and a routingnumber. In some embodiments, the transmitting device 224 may beconfigured to electronically transmit a data signal to an intermediateentity, such as an acquiring institution or a gateway processor, that issuperimposed or otherwise encoded with the generated data value and anyother transaction data, for inclusion in a transaction message andforwarding to the payment network 108 via the payment rails associatedtherewith.

Processing of a Payment Transaction Using a One-Time Number

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process executed in the system 100 of FIG.1 for the processing of an electronic payment transaction funded via aone-time number that is transmitted using payment rails associated witha payment network.

In step 302, the payment network 108, wallet provider 106, or otherentity may transmit routing data to the computing system 102. Therouting data may include at least a plurality of different data pairs,each data pair including a routing number (e.g., a bank identificationnumber or issuer identification number) and an associated identificationvalue (e.g., a unique, two-digit number). In step 304, the receivingdevice 202 of the computing system 102 may receive the routing data. Instep 306, the querying module 218 of the computing system 102 mayexecute a query on the memory 208 of the computing system 102 to storethe routing data therein.

In step 308, the computing device 104 may receive a one-time numberelectronically transmitted thereto by the wallet provider 106. Theone-time number may be an 18 digit number, where two of the digitscomprise an identification value and where the other remaining 16 digitsare additional data unique to the electronic payment transaction for useby the wallet provider 106 in the processing thereof. For instance, theremaining value may include data used in identifying a specifictransaction account. In step 310, the computing device 104 may generatea QR code that includes the one-time number encoded therein. In step312, the computing device 104 may display, on a display deviceinterfaced therewith, the QR code with the encoded one-time number.

In step 314, the optical imaging device 206 of the computing system 102may read the QR code displayed by the computing device 104 and decodethe one-time number encoded therein. In step 316, the querying module218 of the computing system 102 may execute a query on the memory 208 ofthe computing system 102 to identify a routing number that is associatedwith the identification value included in the decoded one-time number.In step 318, the generation module 220 of the computing system 102 maygenerate track 2 data, where the track 2 data is formatted pursuant toone or more standards (e.g., the ISO 8583 and/or ISO 20022 standards)and includes at least the routing number and remaining value. In someembodiments, the track 2 data may also include a check digit, servicecode, and an expiration date (e.g., encoded in the QR code or separatelysupplied by the computing device 104 or a user thereof, such as via theinput device 210 of the computing system 102 or through an electronictransmission from the computing device 104 received by the receivingdevice 202).

In step 320, the transmitting device 224 of the computing system 102 mayelectronically transmit the generated track 2 data and any othertransaction data to the payment network 108 via the payment railsassociated therewith. In some embodiments, the computing system 102 maygenerate (e.g., via the generation module 220) a transaction message fortransmission directly to the payment network 108. In other embodiments,the transaction data, including the track 2 data, may be transmitted toanother entity (e.g., an acquiring financial institution) that generatesthe transaction message and submits it to the payment network 108 viathe payment rails associated therewith on behalf of the computing system102. In step 322, the payment network 108 may receive the transactionmessage.

In step 324, the payment network 108 may process the payment transactionusing traditional methods and systems, which may include the routing ofthe transaction message to the wallet provider 106 or another authorizedentity (e.g., the financial institution system 112) based on the routingnumber, and the approval or denial thereby. As part of the processing,the payment network 108 may receive an authorization response from thewallet provider 106 or authorized entity that includes a response codeindicating the approval or denial of the payment transaction. In step326, the payment network 108 may forward the authorization response tothe computing system 102 (e.g., or an intermediate entity fortransmission to the computing system 102) via the payment railsassociated therewith. In step 328, the receiving device 202 of thecomputing system 102 may receive the authorization response. Thecomputing system 102 may then finalize the payment transactionaccordingly based on the response code included therein.

Exemplary Method for Processing an Encoded One-Time Number Via PaymentRails

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for the processing of a one-time numberencoded in a machine-readable code prior to transmission of a data valuebased thereon via payment rails associated with a payment network foruse in an electronic payment transaction.

In step 402, a one-time number may be received by a receiving device(e.g., the receiving device 202) of a computing system (e.g., thecomputing system 102), wherein the one-time number is comprised of atleast an identification value and a remaining value. In step 404, aquery may be executed on a memory (e.g., the memory 208) of thecomputing system by a querying module (e.g., the querying module 218) ofthe computing system to identify a routing number based on at least aportion of the one-time number.

In step 406, a data value may be generated by a generation module (e.g.,the generation module 220) of the computing system, wherein the datavalue includes at least the identified routing number and the remainingvalue. In step 408, the generated data value may be electronicallytransmitted to an external system by a transmitting device (e.g., thetransmitting device 224) of the computing system via payment railsassociated with a payment network (e.g., the payment network 108).

In one embodiment, the method 400 may further include generating, by thegeneration module of the computing system, a transaction message,wherein the transaction message is formatted according to one or morestandards and includes a plurality of data elements including at leastone data element configured to store the generated data value, whereintransmission of the generated data value to the external systemcomprises transmission of the generated transaction message to theexternal system. In some embodiments, the data value may be a track 2data value. In other embodiments, the data value may be a track 1 datavalue that includes an expiration date, service code, and check digit.

In one embodiment, the one-time number may be an 18 digit number. In afurther embodiment, the identification value may comprise 2 digits ofthe 18 digit number and the remaining value may comprise 16 digits ofthe 18 digit number. In some embodiments, the receiving the one-timenumber may include reading, where the receiving device is an opticalimaging device (e.g., the optical imaging device 206), amachine-readable code encoded with the one-time number to receive theencoded one-time number. In one embodiment, the machine-readable codemay be one of: a bar code and a quick response code.

Computer System Architecture

FIG. 5 illustrates a computer system 500 in which embodiments of thepresent disclosure, or portions thereof, may be implemented ascomputer-readable code. For example, the computing system 102 of FIG. 1may be implemented in the computer system 500 using hardware, software,firmware, non-transitory computer readable media having instructionsstored thereon, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in oneor more computer systems or other processing systems. Hardware,software, or any combination thereof may embody modules and componentsused to implement the methods of FIGS. 3 and 4.

If programmable logic is used, such logic may execute on a commerciallyavailable processing platform configured by executable software code tobecome a specific purpose computer or a special purpose device (e.g.,programmable logic array, application-specific integrated circuit,etc.). A person having ordinary skill in the art may appreciate thatembodiments of the disclosed subject matter can be practiced withvarious computer system configurations, including multi-coremultiprocessor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, computerslinked or clustered with distributed functions, as well as pervasive orminiature computers that may be embedded into virtually any device. Forinstance, at least one processor device and a memory may be used toimplement the above described embodiments.

A processor unit or device as discussed herein may be a singleprocessor, a plurality of processors, or combinations thereof. Processordevices may have one or more processor “cores.” The terms “computerprogram medium,” “non-transitory computer readable medium,” and“computer usable medium” as discussed herein are used to generally referto tangible media such as a removable storage unit 518, a removablestorage unit 522, and a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 512.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in terms ofthis example computer system 500. After reading this description, itwill become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art how toimplement the present disclosure using other computer systems and/orcomputer architectures. Although operations may be described as asequential process, some of the operations may in fact be performed inparallel, concurrently, and/or in a distributed environment, and withprogram code stored locally or remotely for access by single ormulti-processor machines. In addition, in some embodiments the order ofoperations may be rearranged without departing from the spirit of thedisclosed subject matter.

Processor device 504 may be a special purpose or a general purposeprocessor device specifically configured to perform the functionsdiscussed herein. The processor device 504 may be connected to acommunications infrastructure 506, such as a bus, message queue,network, multi-core message-passing scheme, etc. The network may be anynetwork suitable for performing the functions as disclosed herein andmay include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), awireless network (e.g., WiFi), a mobile communication network, asatellite network, the Internet, fiber optic, coaxial cable, infrared,radio frequency (RF), or any combination thereof. Other suitable networktypes and configurations will be apparent to persons having skill in therelevant art. The computer system 500 may also include a main memory 508(e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, etc.), and may alsoinclude a secondary memory 510. The secondary memory 510 may include thehard disk drive 512 and a removable storage drive 514, such as a floppydisk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a flashmemory, etc.

The removable storage drive 514 may read from and/or write to theremovable storage unit 518 in a well-known manner. The removable storageunit 518 may include a removable storage media that may be read by andwritten to by the removable storage drive 514. For example, if theremovable storage drive 514 is a floppy disk drive or universal serialbus port, the removable storage unit 518 may be a floppy disk orportable flash drive, respectively. In one embodiment, the removablestorage unit 518 may be non-transitory computer readable recordingmedia.

In some embodiments, the secondary memory 510 may include alternativemeans for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loadedinto the computer system 500, for example, the removable storage unit522 and an interface 520. Examples of such means may include a programcartridge and cartridge interface (e.g., as found in video gamesystems), a removable memory chip (e.g., EEPROM, PROM, etc.) andassociated socket, and other removable storage units 522 and interfaces520 as will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant art.

Data stored in the computer system 500 (e.g., in the main memory 508and/or the secondary memory 510) may be stored on any type of suitablecomputer readable media, such as optical storage (e.g., a compact disc,digital versatile disc, Blu-ray disc, etc.) or magnetic tape storage(e.g., a hard disk drive). The data may be configured in any type ofsuitable database configuration, such as a relational database, astructured query language (SQL) database, a distributed database, anobject database, etc. Suitable configurations and storage types will beapparent to persons having skill in the relevant art.

The computer system 500 may also include a communications interface 524.The communications interface 524 may be configured to allow software anddata to be transferred between the computer system 500 and externaldevices. Exemplary communications interfaces 524 may include a modem, anetwork interface (e.g., an Ethernet card), a communications port, aPCMCIA slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via thecommunications interface 524 may be in the form of signals, which may beelectronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals as will beapparent to persons having skill in the relevant art. The signals maytravel via a communications path 526, which may be configured to carrythe signals and may be implemented using wire, cable, fiber optics, aphone line, a cellular phone link, a radio frequency link, etc.

The computer system 500 may further include a display interface 502. Thedisplay interface 502 may be configured to allow data to be transferredbetween the computer system 500 and external display 530. Exemplarydisplay interfaces 502 may include high-definition multimedia interface(HDMI), digital visual interface (DVI), video graphics array (VGA), etc.The display 530 may be any suitable type of display for displaying datatransmitted via the display interface 502 of the computer system 500,including a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, liquid crystal display(LCD), light-emitting diode (LED) display, capacitive touch display,thin-film transistor (TFT) display, etc.

Computer program medium and computer usable medium may refer tomemories, such as the main memory 508 and secondary memory 510, whichmay be memory semiconductors (e.g., DRAMs, etc.). These computer programproducts may be means for providing software to the computer system 500.Computer programs (e.g., computer control logic) may be stored in themain memory 508 and/or the secondary memory 510. Computer programs mayalso be received via the communications interface 524. Such computerprograms, when executed, may enable computer system 500 to implement thepresent methods as discussed herein. In particular, the computerprograms, when executed, may enable processor device 504 to implementthe methods illustrated by FIGS. 3 and 4, as discussed herein.Accordingly, such computer programs may represent controllers of thecomputer system 500. Where the present disclosure is implemented usingsoftware, the software may be stored in a computer program product andloaded into the computer system 500 using the removable storage drive514, interface 520, and hard disk drive 512, or communications interface524.

The processor device 504 may comprise one or more modules or enginesconfigured to perform the functions of the computer system 500. Each ofthe modules or engines may be implemented using hardware and, in someinstances, may also utilize software, such as corresponding to programcode and/or programs stored in the main memory 508 or secondary memory510. In such instances, program code may be compiled by the processordevice 504 (e.g., by a compiling module or engine) prior to execution bythe hardware of the computer system 500. For example, the program codemay be source code written in a programming language that is translatedinto a lower level language, such as assembly language or machine code,for execution by the processor device 504 and/or any additional hardwarecomponents of the computer system 500. The process of compiling mayinclude the use of lexical analysis, preprocessing, parsing, semanticanalysis, syntax-directed translation, code generation, codeoptimization, and any other techniques that may be suitable fortranslation of program code into a lower level language suitable forcontrolling the computer system 500 to perform the functions disclosedherein. It will be apparent to persons having skill in the relevant artthat such processes result in the computer system 500 being a speciallyconfigured computer system 500 uniquely programmed to perform thefunctions discussed above.

Techniques consistent with the present disclosure provide, among otherfeatures, systems and methods for processing an encoded one-time numbervia payment rails. While various exemplary embodiments of the disclosedsystem and method have been described above it should be understood thatthey have been presented for purposes of example only, not limitations.It is not exhaustive and does not limit the disclosure to the preciseform disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings or may be acquired from practicing of thedisclosure, without departing from the breadth or scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for processing an encoded one-timenumber via payment rails, comprising: receiving, by a receiving deviceof a computing device, a one-time number encoded in a machine readablecode, wherein the one-time number includes an identification value and aremaining value associated with a transaction account; decoding, by thecomputing device, the machine readable code to obtain the one-timenumber including the identification value; executing, by a queryingmodule of the computing device, a query on a memory of the computingdevice to identify a routing number based on the identification valueincluded in the one-time number; generating, by a generation module ofthe computing device, a data value, wherein the data value includes atleast (i) the routing number that was identified based on theidentification value included in the one-time number, and (ii) theremaining value of the one-time number, that is associated with thetransaction account; and electronically transmitting, by a transmittingdevice of the computing device, the generated data value to an externalsystem via payment rails associated with a payment network.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: generating, by the generationmodule of the computing device, a transaction message, wherein thetransaction message is formatted according to one or more standards andincludes a plurality of data elements including at least one dataelement configured to store the generated data value, whereintransmission of the generated data value to the external systemcomprises transmission of the generated transaction message to theexternal system.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data value is atrack 2 data value.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data value isa track 1 data value that includes an expiration date, service code, andcheck digit.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one-time number is an18 digit number.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the identificationvalue comprises 2 digits of the 18 digit number and the remaining valuecomprises 16 digits of the 18 digit number.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving the one-time number includes reading, where thereceiving device is an optical imaging device, a machine-readable codeencoded with the one-time number to receive the encoded one-time number.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the machine-readable code is one of: abarcode, quick response code, series of displayed digits or characters,and a programmable radio frequency identifier.
 9. A system forprocessing an encoded one-time number via payment rails, comprising: areceiving device of a computing device configured to receive a one-timenumber encoded in a machine readable code, wherein the one-time numberincludes an identification value and a remaining value associated with atransaction account; the computing device configured to decode themachine readable code to obtain the one-time number including theidentification value; a querying module of the computing deviceconfigured to execute a query on a memory of the computing device toidentify a routing number based on the identification value included inthe one-time number; a generation module of the computing deviceconfigured to generate a data value, wherein the data value includes atleast (i) the routing number that was identified based on theidentification value included in the one-time number, and (ii) theremaining value, included in the one-time number, that is associatedwith the transaction account; and a transmitting device of the computingdevice configured to electronically transmit the generated data value toan external system via payment rails associated with a payment network.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the generation module of thecomputing device is further configured to generate a transactionmessage, wherein the transaction message is formatted according to oneor more standards and includes a plurality of data elements including atleast one data element configured to store the generated data value, andtransmission of the generated data value to the external systemcomprises transmission of the generated transaction message to theexternal system.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the data value is atrack 2 data value.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the data value isa track 1 data value that includes an expiration date, service code, andcheck digit.
 13. The system of claim 9, wherein the one-time number isan 18 digit number.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein theidentification value comprises 2 digits of the 18 digit number and theremaining value comprises 16 digits of the 18 digit number.
 15. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein the receiving device is an optical imagingdevice to read a machine-readable code encoded with the one-time numberto receive the encoded one-time number.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein the machine-readable code is one of: a barcode, quick responsecode, series of displayed digits or characters, and a programmable radiofrequency identifier.